Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – American Special
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional American comfort dish featuring a savory blend of seasoned ground lamb and vegetables, all topped with a smooth layer of mashed potatoes. Baked until the potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for warming up on a chilly day. When made with ground beef instead of lamb, it is referred to as Cottage Pie.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time50 min
- Total Time1 hr 10 min
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Ingredients:
- For the Meat Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Mashed Potatoes: 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (more if needed)
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15 minutes).
Mash Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 3 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup milk. Mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Meat Filling:
Cook Meat: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground lamb or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables: Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup diced carrots to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).
Season and Simmer: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, and salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup beef or chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens (about 5-10 minutes).
Add Peas and Corn: Stir in 1 cup peas and 1 cup corn kernels (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
Layer Filling: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat filling, spreading them out evenly. Use a fork to create a textured surface for browning.
Bake:
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve:
Cool Slightly: Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set a bit.
Recipe Notes :
Meat Choice: Traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but ground beef (cottage pie) is a common alternative.
Vegetables: You can customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Mashed Potatoes: Ensure the mashed potatoes are well-seasoned and creamy for the best topping.
Baking Tip: If you prefer a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
